Hello Reader,
This is the penultimate update to my Tuesday Tips for Writers. The last one will focus more on traditional publishing than the actual writing process, but since I've already mentioned my editing process in newsletters before, I wanted to outline it here.
Please keep in mind that everyone's process is different. I'm not saying that you should edit the way I do, but if one of these steps helps you, then I feel this week's letter has done it's job.
Step 1: Put the Manuscript Away
This step is often the hardest to follow, and I'll admit that when I've had a crazy deadline from a publisher, this is the step I skipped.
Basically, once I finish a manuscript, I make myself put it away for some time--usually a week or two. This way, when I come back to it, I'm looking at it with fresh eyes. This helps me forget what I "meant to write" and focus on what I know is written.
Step 2: Critique Group and Personal Read-Through
If you don't have a critique group or a critique partner, you need to look into getting one. I met my critique partners through Sisters in Crime, which is a writing community built for mystery and thriller authors. We meet every two weeks over Zoom after sharing and reviewing 20-30 pages of our Works in Progress, which is a process we agreed on when we came together. I completed two recent books with them, and they were a great help in making my first draft into a wonderful second draft.
Also, working with them insures that I'm editing at least 30 pages every two weeks because I don't want anyone to see what my un-edited work looks like!
Step 3: Read Aloud
I read every book I write to my husband. That way I can get his feedback, while also looking for my own mistakes. This also helps me watch out for tone, rhythm, and other things I simply wouldn't catch without reading it aloud.
Step 4: Beta Readers
I don't know what I'd do without my amazing group of Beta readers! Make sure you have readers who will not worry about whether or not they hurt your feelings. You want people who, like you, want your book to be the best it can be!
Step 5: Send it to the Pros!
After I've taken the criticism from my Beta's into consideration and read every word aloud (and in some cases read my book in reverse), I send it to my agent and/or publisher. I've always gotten good feedback how "clean" my "initial" drafts tend to be.
Recommended Reading:
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Hash Browns and Homicide
For newly promoted detective, Piper Sandstone, going undercover just got complicated... What could go wrong on her first secret assignment? A lot, as it turns out.
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Life Took a Turn
Mina Turner’s world is turned upside down when everything she thought she knew is shattered. Facing loss, betrayal, and an uncertain future, she’s forced to confront what it means to start over. With her family’s future on the line, can Mina find the strength to rebuild her life?
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The First Date Curse
This date should have been perfect. Until then Jude's first date curse kicked in... Can he win Pippa's heart when the universe seems like it's out to get him?
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